Method for installation of flare pilot thermocouple

Abstract

A method for installing thermocouples on flare burner tip pilot assemblies from grade without discontinuing operation of the flare, comprising modifying the pilot assembly thermowell to accept a fitting, attaching a section of tubing and running to grade to act as a sleeve for a thermocouple and sliding a predetermined length of thermocouple into the sleeve at grade to the burner tip assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for installing a flare pilot thermocouple assembly comprising the steps of: a. adapting a pilot flare thermowell to accept a tube fitting;   b. attaching one end of a length of tubing to said fitting the other end of said tubing being located at a predetermined grade level, said tubing forming a sleeve;   c. inserting a thermocouple into said sleeve at grade;   d. pushing said thermocouple upwardly within said sleeve to the tip of said thermowell; and   e. securing said thermocouple to said other end of said sleeve.   
     
     
       2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the upper portion of said sleeve is manufactured from a high temperature resistant material. 
     
     
       3. A method as in claim 2 wherein said thermocouple is compressively attached to said sleeve. 
     
     
       4. A method for replacing a flare pilot thermocouple located in a thermowell having a tip located at a flare pilot at one end and extending through a tubing forming a sleeve attached at the thermowell at the one end and to a compression fitting at an opposite grade-level end comprising the steps of: a. disconnecting said thermocouple from said compression fitting at the grade-level end of said tubing;   b. pulling said thermocouple downwardly within said sleeve until said thermocouple exits said tubing.   c. inserting a thermocouple into said sleeve at grade;   d. pushing said thermocouple upwardly within said sleeve to the tip of said thermowell; and   e. securing said thermocouple to said other end of said sleeve.